Bipolarplatte für elektrochemische Zellen sowie ein Herstellungsverfahren

The bipolar plate according to the invention for electrochemical cells, in particular for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, is made with a metal substrate, and the surface is made of a carbon-based layer, which reduces the electric contact resistance, and a layer system or a boundary layer which is made of a mainly sp2-bound carbon-based layer with a carbon content ranging from 50% to 100% near the surface, said layer being applied onto a metal substrate surface which is modified compared to the starting material. A surface region of the substrate can also be provided as an edge layer which is made with nitride and/or carbon by a nitriding and/or carbonizing process. The surface of the metal substrate, said surface being in contact with a gas-permeable element within the electrochemical cell, can have a structuring which is made with elevations and/or depressions in the respective surface.